Arsenal player ratings: Martinelli tries dragging troops through but Merino poor

TOOTHLESS Arsenal were beaten by a superb Italian job in Milan as they lost 1-0 thanks to a controversial penalty.

After losing at the weekend, Mikel Arteta was hoping his team could bounce back with a win in the Champions League.

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They were adamant they should have had a penalty in the first half when Mikel Merino was seemingly punched in the head by Yann Sommer as the Swiss international cleared the ball away.

However, in first-half injury time, Merino was involved again at the other end as he gave away a penalty when the ball struck his raised hand from close range.

That was converted by Hakan Calhanoglu, and Arteta rang the changes by introducing Gabriel Jesus at half-time.

But the Gunners seemed to have wet powder at the San Siro as their attacking efforts fell flat, with many of their usual suspects in attack flattering to deceive.

David Raya – 6

Unfortunate with the penalty on an otherwise quiet night.

Passing was below par with on three out of nine long passes finding their mark.

Ben White – 7

Dependable as ever at right back.

Can’t be blamed for the defeat from a defensive standpoint.

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William Saliba – 7

Marshalled defence well and produced some strong passes.

Three clearances and six duels won said everything about his performance.

Gabriel Magalhaes – 7

Had a slightly better time in duels than Saliba but was worse on the ball.

Booked.

Jurrien Timber – 7 (off Zinchenko 82 mins)

Had a good rapport with Martinelli down the left flank.

Dependable like the rest of the defence but undone by the controversial penalty call.

Mikel Merino – 5 (off for Jesus half-time)

Difficult to see what he brings to the midfield at the moment. Clearly Arteta likes his height and strength, but not on the same wavelength as team-mates tonight.

Unlucky to give away the penalty for handball after being clattered by Sommer earlier on in the evening.

Thomas Partey – 6

Should have been given more licence to roam forward in the second half.

But didn’t look like he had the legs to do that job.

Bukayo Saka – 6

Captain for the night with Odegaard only fit for the bench.

Saka was always a threat, but all too often or not chose the wrong option to go inside or out.

Gabriel Martinelli – 7

Flashes of brilliance and a thorn throughout the clash.

Created four chances but team-mates were unable to help him out.

Kai Havertz – 6 (off Odegaard 90 mins)

Couple of flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful curled effort at goal that forced Sommer to punch clear, but needed to be a stronger force up top.

Went off with a bloody head in injury time.

Leandro Trossard – 6 (off Nwaneri 82 mins)

Buzzed around and had threatening moments.

But just didn’t get the ball enough in dangerous positions.

Substitutes

Gabriel Jesus (on half-time for Merino) – 6

Didn’t offer much after coming on. Booked.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (on Timber) – 6

Tidy in possession but rarely moved the ball forward.

Ethan Nwaneri (on Trossard 82 mins) – 6

Skied a shot over the bar in injury time.

Martin Odegaard (on Havertz 90 mins) – N/A

Not enough time to make impact.